Tuesday, December 14, 2010

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES REGARDING RECENT BURGLARIES IN THE COMMUNITY

“It has come to light that burglaries have taken place in the Clinton Hill area recently, and I would like to make the community aware of an incident that occurred last night, so that residents can take precautions during these desperate times, and with the holiday season underway.

The most recent robbery happened at Choice Market on Lafayette Avenue near Grand Avenue around 10:00 pm (closing time) on Tuesday, December 7. Three masked Black males entered the store, displayed two firearms and told the store manager to lay face down on the floor of the restaurant. One robber then removed money from the cash register. The gunmen degraded the employees both physically and verbally and ran with the day’s profits. The incident appears to have been well planned by the perpetrators.

Fortunately, Choice employees were not hurt during the incident, but my office will help to provide any assistance needed, be it psychological or otherwise. I have asked the 88th Precinct to increase patrols in and around Lafayette and Grand Avenues, and will be meeting with businesses to discuss other safety measures. We are also asking if anyone has information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to please contact the 88th Police Precinct. Tips can be left anonymously at – (718) 636-6511, or 298 Classon Avenue, between Classon and Dekalb Avenues.

I would also like to remind constituents of the Town Hall Meeting my office is hosting on Public Safety taking place next Tuesday evening, December 14 at 7pm, in the community room of the Cadman Congregational Church, located at 350 Clinton Avenue (enter at 210 Lafayette Avenue). The Commanding Officer of the 88th Police Precinct, Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso, along with Crime Prevention Officers will be on hand to offer safety tips and answer all questions.”-----

Council Member Letitia James (35th District, BK), NYPD’s 88th Precinct, & The Public Safety Task Force Present a Town Hall Meeting:PUBLIC SAFETY & the HOLIDAYSFeaturing:• CompStat “reality-check” – the numbers in perspective• What you need to know to be safer at home & on the streets• How not to be a “target”Plus: the Presentation of Special Recognition to the 88th PrecinctDecember 14 at 7:00 pmCadman Congregational Church, 350 Clinton Avenue (enter at 210 Lafayette Avenue)